Sustainability Practices in European Football: A Comparative Analysis of Top Clubs and Slovenian Counterparts

Abstract

Sport is a powerful societal force influencing behavior, values, and attitudes. Professional football clubs, as prominent sports organizations, have a responsibility to operate sustainably and contribute to global goals of environmental protection, social justice, and economic development. This article examines the sustainability practices of three European football giants: Manchester United from England, Real Madrid from Spain, and Bayern Munich from Germany. These clubs represent successful and influential leagues with a long tradition of excellence. The analysis covers the three dimensions of sustainability: environmental, social, and economic. The environmental dimension focuses on efforts to reduce ecological footprints, including energy efficiency, waste management, and resource conservation. The social dimension involves community engagement, such as education, social inclusion, and health promotion. The economic dimension addresses financial performance, governance, and transparency. The article compares and contrasts the sustainability strategies of the three clubs, highlighting their strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and challenges. Additionally, it discusses the implications of these sustainability actions for stakeholders, including fans, sponsors, partners, staff, and players. The aim is to provide insights and recommendations for improving the sustainability performance of professional football clubs and enhancing the role of sport in creating a better world.